Tadhg O’Shea and Bhupat Seemar achieve 'stuff of dreams' with Dubai World Cup win

Bhupat Seemar and stable jockey Tadhg O’Shea fulfilled lifelong dreams as they won the $12 million Group 1 Dubai World Cup with Laurel River at Meydan on Saturday.

It was a first for both trainer and jockey and a night to remember for the Zabeel Stables duo after their horse produced a scintillating run to clinch the 2,000-metre race by eight-and-a-half lengths.

Seemar and O’Shea not only won the biggest prize of the night but were celebrating a double after winning the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen with Tuz, a prize they also won with Switzerland in 2022.

“In 2001, I didn't think 23 years later I'd be winning one of the world's richest races,” said O’Shea.

“I didn't think I'd be winning the Dubai World Cup but you know, all this would not be possible without the team. I'm just very, very grateful to all of them.

“I have to pinch myself. I've been very fortunate out here to win multiple championships and to ride any winner on this stage is special. And I've been fortunate enough to ride this fellow. I sensed the other morning after his gallop but I didn't want to jinx it. I didn't tell anyone.

“I have never ever ridden a horse to feel like it. There were question marks on his stamina and whatever but hats off to Juddmonte Farm. They are a worldwide recognised organisation and could have any jockey in the world. They kept faith with me.

“I tell you one thing; I have never ridden one as good as him. I never dreamt I would win the Dubai World Cup – it really is the stuff of dreams. He behaved like a pony; he hit the gates and did everything from the front, it was unbelievable. He gave himself every chance to get the distance, it’s an amazing feeling.”